The Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) has revealed that 71% of local optical committees (LOCs) are delivering a minor eye conditions service (MECS) in its latest annual report.

The document also revealed that there were 129,237 MECS appointments in 2017–2018, while LOCSU’s support headquarters handled 3283 queries over the year.
Both Primary Eyecare Company (PEC) activity and revenue was up by 24% over the period compared to the previous year.

The report paid tribute to outgoing LOCSU chair, Alan Tinger, who served for 10 years in the role before standing down in November 2018. Mike Fegan is the new LOCSU chair.

The appointment of Simone Mason as LOCSU’s digital learning support officer, improvements to the LOC induction course and LOCSU funding for places on a Leadership Skills module were also covered in the report.

The document highlighted the evolution of the PEC module, noting the larger-scale consolidation of PECs.

“At one point there were around 40 PECs actively running services across England. This has now concentrated down to 10 companies covering the country,” the report noted.

A new LOC-led strategy will be developed over the coming year.

“LOCSU aims to ensure that LOCs are on the front foot when it comes to bidding for and delivering services,” the report emphasised.